The Sconi

Terry Schilling, the president of American Principles Project, criticized Judge Janet Protasiewicz's candidacy for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, saying that she posed a threat to parental rights in education. Schilling pointed out that parents in Wisconsin have the ability to choose the right school for their children, such as avoiding underperforming schools or places like Madison East High School, which recently put on a drag show event. Schilling said that Protasiewicz may vote to end Wisconsin's school choice program if she is elected.

"Thankfully, most parents in Wisconsin at least have the option to send their kids to alternative schools under the state's school choice program. However, even that possibility could be at risk if Janet Protasiewicz were to be elected to the state Supreme Court," Schilling said. "Parents must be sure to get to the polls on April 4; otherwise, they may find their children stuck in schools like Madison East High that prioritize sexual indoctrination over actual academics."

In an article penned for the MacIver Institute, George Mitchell, an activist and volunteer for School Choice Wisconsin, notes that in 1998, when school choice was challenged, the Wisconsin Supreme Court decided the matter by a single vote. Given the current make up of the court, he cautioned supporters of school choice to be wary of Protasiewicz, stating, "Janet Protasiewicz has made it abundantly clear that the words “settled law” are not in her dictionary. She substitutes her 'values' for the independent and impartial standards expected of the judiciary. If given the opportunity, no one can doubt that she would join a flipped court majority in welcoming a challenge to parent school choice."

Schilling brought up a recent drag queen show event at Madison East High School as a reason why parents should have access to school choice programs. He said that "it's totally inappropriate for a school to be hosting a drag show" and "what makes it even worse is that it was done at a taxpayer-funded institution – one that's increasingly failing at its main educational mission to boot."

In the January family newsletter for Madison East High School, Principal Mikki Smith described the show, planned by the school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance, as "family friendly" event. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, the event was originally scheduled for Jan. 19, but was postponed due to safety concerns. The event ultimately took place on Feb. 24 at the school's auditorium where staff and police were present for safety concerns. Roughly 175 community members attended. The show hosted performances from seven area drag performers, including a 16-year-old.

Schilling pointed to Madison East High's budget as evidence of the school's "failing at its main educational mission," which shows that the school spends $1,000 more than the state average per student. Data shows that the average school in Wisconsin spends $12,285 per pupil, while East High is expending $13,938 per pupil.

Schilling also pointed out that despite their higher budget, a recent state report on East High's performance levels in English language arts and mathematics shows a decline in the percent of proficient students from 2020 to 2022. This decline was 7.8 percentage points in ELA and 11.3 in mathematics. At the same time, the percent of below basic performers has increased by 10.5 percentage points in ELA and 15.2 in mathematics. Schilling expressed concerns that if school choice programs are rolled back, parents would not have the option to avoid or remove their children from underperforming schools or institutions they believe to have improper priorities.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) opposes school choice programs and reaffirmed that position in a recent resolution. The Wisconsin chapter of the AFT has endorsed Protasiewicz for the open seat on the court.

School choice remains popular among Wisconsinites, with nearly 65% saying they would like to see the program expanded, according to a recent poll.